Permits may be purchased for $5 per tree at ranger district offices, forest headquarters (the Gifford Pinchot's is in Vancouver, the Mount Hood's in Sandy) and at several commercial vendor locations. Contact your nearest Forest Service office for more details.

Some areas receive heavy snowfall which limits access and available trees. Before setting out on your trip, call the forest office nearest your destination for the latest in road and weather updates. Be alert for unpredictable weather and hazardous driving conditions. Current road status reports can also be found on the forests' Web sites.

Special Instructions:

* As always, the legislated Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is closed to tree
cutting, as are national parks.

* Christmas tree permits are not refundable for any reason.

* Tree cutting is prohibited in wilderness areas, developed campgrounds, administrative sites, within 300 feet of streams, on private or state-owned lands within national forest boundaries, and in other posted areas.

* Gifford Pinchot National Forest Christmas tree permits are not valid on
other land ownerships.

* Cutting on private lands is subject to trespass prosecution.

* If unsure about areas available for tree cutting, contact the nearest U.S. Forest Service office.